Camera shutter mechanism



Q 1950 M. N. FAIRBANK ETAL 2,531,936 CAMERA SHUTTER MECHANISM Filed Feb. 7, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I

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' Nov. 28, 1950 M. N. FAIRBANK ETAL 2,531,936

CAMERA SHUTTER MECHANISM Filed Feb. 7, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 28, 1950 M. N. FAIRBANK ETAL 2,531,936

CAMERA SHUTTER MECHANISM Filed Feb. 7, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 4

2w INVENTORS Patented Nov. 28, 1959 Whittier, Cambridge, Mass; ass'ignors 1 to P- laroid Corporation, Cambridge, .Mass, 11. corps)"- ration of Delaware Application February 7', 1947', Serial No. 622002 13 Claims.

This invention relates to photographic apparatus and more particularly to novel shutter mechanism and indicating means therefor, for association with the exposure aperture of a camera.

An object of 'thepresent'invention is to providearelatively simple and inexpensive camera 's'hutter comprising novel means providing more uniform operational speed than is customary through conventional shutter constructions.

Another object of the'invention is to provide a eamera shutter of the aforementioned type which isparticularly adapted to a lens of small relative aperture.

A further object o'f'the invention is "to provide a camera shutter having means providing a minimum of frictional surfaces.

Stillanother object of the invention is to providea camera shutter wherein friction, during operation thereof, is small with respect to the operating forces and is substantially constant at any selectecl'speeol of operation.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a camera shutter having novel means providing 'a pluralityof operational speeds there- ."Still anotherobject of the invention is to provide camera shutter-mechanism having novelinterloclring means for "returning a shutter fromia time exposure setting to 'an instantaneous .exposure setting.

Another object of the invention is "to provide a=rotary shutter and means disconnectable from the shutter-for initiating rotation and reversing rotation thereof.

:Still a further'object of the. invention isito:pro-

vide a rotatable camera .shutter wherein ope'r- .2

ational movement-comprises reversal :of rotation, said-:reversal oecuring at a predetermined'i-zangle of ;rotation for I establishing shutter speed.

Qther objects of'th'e invention-willin partbe obvious" and :will :in part zappear lhereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessingtheconstruction, combination of elements and arrangementof parts which'are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which willbe indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects-of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure -1 is a somewhat schematic elevational view, partly in cross section and with parts hroleen away, of one form o'f the novel apparatus of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of a modification of shutter speed setting elements of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is 'a somewhat schematic elevational'view of 'a further modificationof mechanism'of "Fig. l incorporating a single control for obtaining correlated settings of the shutter and diaphragm;

Fig. 4' is--a fragmentary perspective view of elements of "Fig; 3' illustrating operation thereof-i and Fig. Bis a-schematic elevational view of aproferre'cl' modification of mechanism incorporating a single controlfor obtaining correlated settings or-tne shutter and diaphragm.

Shutter mechanism of the-general form comprehended by the invention is relatively simple in construction and possesses accurate timekeeping properties; duein large measure to novel -constructions=providing aminimum of sur- "faces in frictionalcontact with one'another' dur ing movement of the'shutter. A shutter of the aforesaid characteristi-cspermits accurate caliprationof 'its-variousspeed settings and will be seen' to have advantageswherein .a large measure of control of the finished print may depend upon exposure values. Shutter. speed, as referred'to herein, ;is"to'"be regarded in terms of an exposure periodydurmg which light passes through the'lens' aperture. The exposure period is' determinedby'the size .of the are through which the shutter. rotates before reversal of its movement takes place and .to controlled speed .of movement thereof, to and from a point of reversal. The shutter "is adapted to incorporation with any or a variety of conventional cameras but is particularly suitable as a between-thelens shutter in cameras employing lenses of "small relative aperturewhichare adaptedtoexposure of'film 'having a fastemulsion. Arotatable disc-"type diaphragm having -a plurality of apertures of predetermined diameter may preferably be employed in conjunction with the shutter, said type of diaphragm permitting formation therein of small apertures of exact light admitting properties and, as exemplified by the invention, being particularly suitable for actuating shutter speed setting elements directly or through interlocking mechanism. An iris type diaphragm may, however, be employed satisfactorily with the aforesaid shutter. Indicating means shown, while particularly adapted to association with the novel shutter and diaphragm of the invention, may be used in conjunction with other types of shutters and diaphragms through provision of suitable interconnecting mechanism.

Referring to Fig. 1, the rotatable shutter blade l2, shutter blade counterbalance l4, fragmentary portion of the disc-type diaphragm l6, and other associated elements are represented as they would appear from a position in front of a camera, casing portions, excepting a small section I8 thereof, havin been broken away for the purpose of exposing the aforesaid elements. For convenience of terminology, the shutter blade I2, counterbalance l4, hub 29, and bearing shaft or axle 22 may occasionally be referred to herein as the shutter, all of the aforementioned elements being shown as rigidly attached to one another and thus rotatable as a unit.

Directions of rotation of the shutter and other associated elements, and position of elements, as herinafter described, are those which would be observed when said elements are viewed from the above-described position, language being in accordance with said point of observation.

Shaft 22 is journaled at each extremity into bearing means 24 which may be formed in a pair of rigid supporting members, one of said members 2% being shown. Each of said supporting members between which the shutter is positioned, and upon which it is rotatably mounted by said bearing means, may alternatively be provided in the form of a web, or a 7 portion of the camera casing per se. The shutter is shown in closed position, namely, shutter blade !2 is positioned to obstruct the passage of light through lens aperture 28. The aforesaid closed position of the shutter is determined by a limit stop comprising a magnet 30, against which a block of suitable magnetic material 32, comprising an extremity of counterbalance i4, is brought to rest. Said magnet, preferably of a horseshoe type, as shown, is bonded to a block composed of suitable resilient material 3 3, such as rubber or a material comprising polyvinyl butyral, said block 34, in turn, being bonded to forwardly extending portion 36 of an angular plate comprising also a lateral portion 3611 with which said magnet is in slidable contact. A pin 38, preferably of nonmagnetic material, extends forwardly from plate 36, said pin being interposed between the poles of magnet 30 and having a diameter less than the distance between said poles. The aforesaid constructions provide a limit stop which yields under impact of magnetic block 32. The magnet 30 of said limit stop coacting with magnetic block 32 comprises means for preventing rebound of the shutter awa from the stop once contact of said block 32 and magnet 30 has been established, magnetic force exerted upon said block by magnet 30 being adapted to the purpose. It will be seen that said elements also hold the shutter the descriptive 4 at closed position when idle. Movement of slidable magnet 3% toward block 32 is limited by pin 38.

Projecting lug 40 of the counterbalance constitutes a portion of the shutter suitable for receiving an impulse 4 rotating said shutter in a clockwise direction, more specifically, the right-hand surface 46a of said lug being adapted thereto. In addition to providing means against which a force for rotation maybe applied, lug 46 serves as contributory means for determining direction and extent of rotation of the shutter in the following manner. The extent of clockwise rotation of the shutter, when actuated for said movement by means more fully to be described, is limited by contact of lug 4a with a spring 42, which may be termed a rebound spring, mounted so as to intercept surface lBb of lug 43 during arcual movement of the latter. Reversing means 42 may be constructed of any suitably resilient material properly formed for the purpose, said means preferably comprising a spring-like member composed of steel, phosphor bronze or the like. The spring may be flat in form, as shown, or of any other suitable shape and thickness for predeterminedly limiting clockwise rotation of the shutter and for causing rotational reversal of said shutter in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, it will be seen that the measure of clockwise, rotational movement of the shutter, from the closed position shown in Fig. 1, is determined by the arcual distance initially separating lug 49 and spring 2, by the mass and velocit of the rotating shutter, and by the deflection characteristics of spring 12 under load caused by impingement of lug lii thereupon. Further, it will be apparent that the speed of rotation of the shutter through a single exposure cycle, comprising successive clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, is substantially predetermined by such factors as the magnitude and characteristics of delivery of the force applied to lug 49 for initiating its clockwise rotation, by the mass of the shutter, b the deflective characteristics of spring 52 and by the amount of friction existing between bearing members 22 and 24.

As shown in Fig. 1, rebound spring 42 may, for example, be mounted upon an annular spring carrier member 44, said carrier member being integral with or suitably connected, as by members 46, to a hub 58, and said hub being rotatably mounted upon a fixed axle 5i). Axle 59 may preferably be the form of an annular member rigidly attached to or integral with the further supporting members 26, axle 5G and shaft 22 being concentric, and shaft 22 turning freely Within said fixed axle 55. It will be apparent from Fig. 1 that clockwise rotation of spring carrier member 54 for the purpose of altering the position of rebound spring '22 increases the arcual distance which lug 49 must travel to and from contact with said rebound spring and hence decreases the shutter speed. Upon suitable portions of its surface, such as the inner surface shown, spring carrier id is provided with predeterminedly spaced recesses 52 adapted to releasable engagement with any suitable detent means, such as detent means 56, whereby rebound spring 42 may be rotated to, and operationally held at, any of a plurality of pro-established positions. In Fig. 1, the position of elements shown represents a setting of rebound spring 42 for maximum shutter speed, namely, a setting at which lug 40 will travel a minimum arcual distance to said reaseheec bound spring and during which shutter-bladed? position of elements it will be noted that detent 54 engages recess 52a, thus insuring a positive setting of said elements. Limit stops 56 and 58, fixedly mounted upon casing portions (not shown), are suitably positioned for intercepting a pin 65- extending from spring carrier member 44' and for definin maximum counterclockwise and clockwise rotation, respectively, of said member M, said limits of rotation being those at which maximum and minimum hutter speed, respectively, occur.

Means suitable for manually rotating rebound spring carrier member 44, and thereby varying shutter speed, as above described, are provided, respectively, by a toothed construction of peripheral portions of said member 44' forming a gear 62, by a pinion as engaging said gear 62, and by a control knob 53, rigidly attached to said pinion 64 through a shaft 68, said shaft being of a length sufficient to extend through the camera casing and permit manual rotation of said knob exteriorly of said casing.

As previously stated, any conventional diaphragm may be operationally associated with the shutter of the invention, a disc-type diaphragm being particularly suitable where simplicity of construction and small relative apertures are to be employed. The disc-type diaphragm is, shown in fragmentary form in Fig. 1, is mounted for rotation about a fixed axle 70, said aXle being, for example, in the form of an annular member rigidly attached to or integral with supporting said pinion W by a shaft of suflicient length to pass through the camera casing. The smallest of available diaphragm apertures 86' is shown positioned contiguous lens aperture 28. Means for releasably holding any of the apertures of diaphragm it at exposure position comprise an annular flange portion 82 of said diaphragm having a plurality of predeterminedly spaced recesses 84 formed therein, said recesses being adapted to releasable engagement with suitable detent means 86. Suitable stop limits may be provided for defining limits of rotation of diaphragm it, stop limit 88, mounted on casing or frame portions of the camera (not shown), and pin 39, extending from said diaphragm, being shown in contact therewith and representin a setting of extreme counterclockwise rotation of the diaphragm. Although not shown, it will be understood that suitable indicating means may be incorporated with the aforesaid mechanism whereby correlated settings of shutter speed and apertures are made in accordance with prevailing light values.

Self-cocking mechanism for actuating rotationof the shutter is shown in elevation in Fig. 1, the

The element of said mechanism Whichcontacts the shutter directly is shownasa pivot 5 hereinbefore described.

all-ymounted arni so. whichm'a be termed the impulsearm, said arm being biased for counterclockwise-rotation by an extension spring 92 attached, respectively, to said arm and to camera frame portions. An extremity of impulse arm 93 is held in contact with lug of the shutter, at cocked'position of the shutter actuating mechanism, and is adapted to transmit driving force to said log for a brief period upon release of said shutter actuating mechanism. Upon reception of driving force from arm 95, the shutter commences to rotate through an exposure cycle. It will be seen in the aforesaid relation of elements that counterclockwise rotation of impulse arm causes clockwise rotation of the shutter, rotaional force being continuously transmitted by said impulse arm to shutter lug -ifi until divergence in the arcual movement of said shutter and impulse arm, due to separate pivotal mountings thereof, breaks'their contact with one another. Under impetus initially supplied by said impulse arm 93, the shutter continues to rotate in a clockwise direction until it impinges rebound spring 42 and its direction of rotation is reversed thereby, as previously described. A shoulder 93 or other suitably formed portion of arm 56 is providedfor engagement with a latch 96, said latch having a notched portion 95a for the purpose, and said latch being rotatabiy mounted upon a portion of the camera frame (not shown) by a pivot 96' and biased toward said shoulder by a spring 98. counterclockwise rotation of latch 9& is limited by limit stop let mounted upon aforesaid camera frame. Impulse arm 98, after terminating its contact with lug it, continues to rotate in a counterclockwise direction under bias applied by spring :98 until meeting limit stop Hi2. As shown, limit stop E82 is in the form of a pair of springlike elements, comprising a pair of electrical contacts, said elements providing effective cushioning means for terminating pivotal movement of impulse arm at and for completing a circuit to a photoilash lamp (not shown). It will be understood that element i653 may serve as a limit stop only, where no connection to a photofiash lamp is provided.

It will'be noted that impulse arm $33 constitutes one arm of a bell-crank Which comprises a second arm iilfi extending angularly relative to arm 96, said arm iEd being adapted, during cocking of the mechanism, to receive a rotational force, which will presently be described, causing its pivotal movement in a clockwise direction and thus returning impulse arm 93 to a cooked position.

- The bellcrank, comprising arms 98 and HM, isrotatably connected by pivot 85 to an arm I08, said last-named arm, in turn, being rotatably connected by pivotal stud lid to trigger H2. Stud 5 iii is of sufficient length to provide a clearnce between arm ids and trigger H2 for unobstructed movement therebetween of the bellcrank comprising arms 98 and IE4. It should'be' noted that arm I88, during the cooked position of impulse arm 99, shown, is at an angle of counterclockwise rotation which brings it adjacent limit stop I comprising a mounted upon a portion of the camera frame, extension spring 92 operating to bias arm [c8 toward said stop in addition to its function of actuating impulse arm 8 as Trigger H2, in turn, is rotatably mounted upon a frame portion by an inwardly extending portion of the aforesaid pivot H8; it being understood that independent rotation is permitted elements 158 and H2. Trigger.-

l-l2. comprises a handle portion H6 extending aserpea through slot I IS in casing I8, said portion being adapted to ma ual movement for rotating the trigger handle in a counterclockwise direction to limit stop I25, said stop, as shown, being formed by a portion of easing I3. Upon release of handle IIE, clockwise rotation of trigger IIZ, comprising said handle, is actuated through bias applied hereto by extension spring I22, connected, respectively, to said handle IIfi and-a frame or casing portion of the camera.

Trigger I E2 also comprises an angular arm portion I25 suitably formed for both tripping and cocking the aforesaid mechanism for actuating rotation of the shutter. When trigger handle I I8 is manually rotated in a counterclockwise direction, arm IE4 is caused to rotate similarly and surface Izda of said arm is actuated to move substantially upwardly, to contact latch 94, and to withdraw said latch from shoulder 93 of impulse arm 93, thus releasing the impulse arm and enabling the latter to drive the shutter. In Fig. 1 trigger portion IZda is shown actuating latch 94 in the above-described manner. It will be apparent that when impulse arm is rotated in a counterclockwise direction to its limit stop m2, arm I34, integral therewith, is rotated in a similar direction to a position generally adjacent surface I24b of arm I23. Upon removal of manual force from trigger handle lib, extension spring I22 assumes control of the mechanism, trigger H2,

comprisin handle 2 IE and arm portion EZ l, being caused to rotate in a clockwise direction. Latch 96 rotates to its limit stop I90, and surface I241: is brought to bear upon arm it l. The rotational force applied by said surface I'Zdb to arm IE5 accomplishes two functions relative to cocking the mechanism, said functions being performed substantially concurrently, as follows. Assuming tension of spring I22 to exceed that of spring 92, as indicated in the drawing, arm M38 is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction about pivotal stud IIB, impulse arm St, accordingly, being rotationally carried in a generally downward direction to a position enabling its extremity to pass freely beneath shutter lug it during return rotation of the impulse arm to cocked position. During the aforesaid rotation of the impulse arm to cocked position, shoulder 93 moves along angular surface Qdc of latch 95, thereby rotationally lifting the latch slightly against the bias of latch spring 98, said shoulder finally entering notch 95a of said latch. Clockwise rotation of arm I88 and trigger IIZ, upon completion of aforesaid operations, is limited by stops I25 and l28, respectively.

Mechanism adapted to manual setting for a bulb exposure and having associated therewith means providing automatic return of said mechanism to an instantaneous exposure setting, after completion of the bulb exposure is shown in Fig. 1, said associated means comprising interlocking connection with the trigger, for achieving said automatic return. The aforesaid mechanism and associated means comprising latching arm I32! mounted upon a bell-crank I32, said bell-crank, in turn, being rotatably mounted upon frame portions of the camera by a pivot I34. When arm i155 is pivoted to maximum clockwise or bulb exposure position, extreme portions thereof are brushed aside by lug it during clockwise rotation of the latter. After lug 48 has passed latching arm I35, said arm springs inwardly, lug surface 48b strikes rebound spring 42, the latter reverses the direction of shutter rotation, and the tip of latchin arm I39 intercepts surface 40a of said lug, terminating furportions of the camera.

ther rotation of the shutter and holding the shut: ter at open position. It will be understood that deflection characteristics of latching arm I 30 are such as to permit no appreciable diminution in speed of clockwise rotation of the shutter, thus insuring accurate time exposures. The shutter is biased against latching arm I38 by torsional hairspring I36 connected respectively to rotatable shutter shaft 22 and supporting member 26. The hairspring has substantially no eifect upon overall shutter speed during a given rotational cycle of the shutter inasmuch as said hairspring, while retarding shutter rotation in a clockwise direction, accelerates rotation of the shutter in a counterclockwise direction, one force substantially canceling the other during the complete shutter cycle. Means for rotating shutter latching arm I39 in a clockwise direction comprises a lever-like stud I33 extending angularly from modified bell-crank I32 and a horizontally movable arm I49 extending through casin I8, said arm having a control knob I42 attached thereto at an extremity exterior of said casing and having a slot Md formed therein for receiving said. stud E38. It will be apparent that manual actuation of arm I49 causes pivotal movement of bell-crank I32 and latching arm Est extending therefrom. In Fig. 1, arm I45 is shown at its maximum inward position, namely, at a position for instantaneous exposure, as determined by contact of knob I42 with casing I8, said arm I48 having rotated shutter latching arm I39 in a counterclockwise direction outsid of the arcual. path of lug lfl. Suitable detent means are provided for releasably holding the aforesaid elements in positions shown, said means comprising a spring member I 36 mounted on guide M8 and adapted to engage a recess IEQ formed in. arm Idil, guide I48 being mounted upon frame A dog I52 extending perpendicularly from arm Hid is provided for contacting casing L3 during withdrawal of said arm through said casing, thereby fixing th limit of said withdrawal and, accordingly, establishing the limit of clockwise rotation of shutter latching arm I36 which provides a bulb exposure setting.

Interlockin mechanism for automatically returning arm I49 inwardly and thereby rotating shutter latching arm I35 in a counterclockwise direction for releasing lug after a bulb ex-v posure, comprises an arm ltd rotatably mounted upon an extremity of trigger 542 by pivot I56, a spring I58 biasing arm 55 in a counterclockwise direction, extremity Idta of arm MS, suitably formed for slidable contact of arm I55 therewith, and arm ace of modified bell-crank I32. With arm I49 at the maximum inward or instantaneous exposure position shown in Fig. 1, pivotal movement of the trigger causes no movement of latching arm I33, edge portion Ifi ia of arm I54 being adapted to slide freely upon edge surface Idea of arm I Iil. When the trigger is at full cocked position, as determined by contact thereof with limit stop I23, said edge portion IBM is brought to rest against surface portion ISIIa of arm Itii. It follows that portion I5 ia still bears upon portions 685a when arm I40 is withdrawn to its limit for a bulb exposure, said withdrawal causing clockwise rotation of arm I66. Assuming the last-named setting of elements and the trigger to be manually actuated in a counterclockwise direction, surface I541; is slidably removed from surface Ifiila, and arm I54 is caused to rotate in a counterclockwise direc- 9 tion;. under bias" of spring I58, the extremity thereof, I541), passing beneath arm I653, the angle of'rotation of said arm I54 being small owin to renewed contact of surfaces I54a and 340a. After removal of manually applied force from handle- H8, the trigger is actuated by extension spring I22, said trigger being rotated in a clockwise direction and returned to a full cocked position. Coincidental with said last-named return rotation of the trigger, extremity I542: of arm Id moves substantially upwardly, bears against sur face IGIlbof arm I69, androtates said arm I69 in a counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, said-counterclockwise rotation of arm iefi pivots latching arm I similarly to instantaneous exposure position by drawing arm I ia! to its maxi mum inward position, As hereinbefore described, when latching arm 13% is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction to instantaneous setting, torsional hairspring'i returns the shutter to closed position. In rsum and in accordance with the aforesaid constructions and operation of elements,

it' wi'll beseen that a bulb exposure is obtained by 'withdrawing knob I42 to the limit stop, and

by' manually actuating the trigger, the period of said-exposure being determinedby the time during: which the trigger handle is manually depressed-against stop I 20. After release of the trigger handle, the impulse arm is automatically recocked; the shutter returns to closed position,

2' isiadapted to incorporation with'the shutter,

shuttenactuating mechanism, bulb exposure, and: instantaneous exposure elements of Fig. 1. Twozsu'ch'rebound'springs l 52 and Hi lare illustrated; it being understood that additional rebound springs may be provided, said springs being spaced apart at predetermined intervals around the path of 'arcual movement of the shutter. The rebound" springs: are mounted upon individually positionable arms I55 and IE8, said arms being adaptedzto. provide movement of the rebound springs in and out of the path of shutter rotation. Arms; I63 and I63 are rotatably mounted upon portions of the camera casing or frame (not shown) by pivots I'Iiland IE2, respectively, said armszcomprising camfo lowers I'M and I755. The cam:.followers are adapted. to actuation by cam I-i8' swhich; is carriedrby-gear I8 3, said gear, in turn,..being rotatable by-pinion I82, having knob mi -affixed thereto. Arms I66 and IeB'are biased inwardly by springs :IESand I38, limits of inward orxclockwise rotation of said arms being established' bystops ISL! and 592, respectively; When cam". I18 is rotated, for example, in a clockwise directionitw-ill be seen. that cam follower I'M is actuated, causing counterclockwise rotation of armIfiIi' andiremoval of rebound spring I62 from the.;-path .of shutter rotation, thus leaving rebound spring: I31 in functional position. tent means, such as means shown in Fig. l, are providedifor positively designatingandreleasably Suitable deholding eachrebound spring at functional position; Further rotation of cam I'I8- removes rebound spring I64 from the shutter path, thus permitting additional rebound springs (not shown) to assume the function of shutter re versal. 11715 to be understood that springs I86 and I 88 are of sufiicient stiifness to hold arms Hit andand I58 firmly against their respective stops when the shutter strikes the rebound; springs.

Figs. 3. and 4 comprising elevational and perspective views of one mechanism show shutter speed. and diaphragm control elements which are somewhat similar in form to those represented in Fig. 1 insofar-as said mechanism embodies asingle rebound spring IBI, a rebound spring carrier Hit, a disc-type diaphragm I94,- and. detent' meam I96 and I98 mounted upon fixed bracket or frame portions (not shown) and adapted to engage recesses 2M! and 234 formed in-said: carrier and diaphragm, respectively, as for example, in suitable annular flanges 26's and for releasably holding the rebound spring and diaphragm at various angles of rotation thereof. The assembly, however, comprises modified means for achieving correlated settings of the rebound spring and diaphragm apertures, and, furthermore, comprises indicating means for establishing said settings. The rebound Springcarrierand' diaphragm are represented as nonconcentric, principally to enable a clear show-- ing' of the constructions, concentric mounting of said elements being readily possible, however,- without affectin'g operation thereof. It is to be' assumedthat suitable bearing means, such asthose shown in Fig. 1, are provided for rotational mounting of said elements in a camera.

Rebound spring carrier 593 comprises toothed p'eripheral'portions forming gear 2H3, a lug 2I2- mounted to extend substantially radially upon said carrier, and toothless sector 2I4'interrupting continuity of gear 2H Diaphragm I9 comprises a pluralityof apertures 256 of predeterminedly varying diameter formed therein,- toothedperipheral portions forming gear 2I8, alug 229 extending substantially radially from the peripherythereof, and toothless sector 222 interrupting continuity of gear 298. A yoke-like element 224, comprising bearing shaft 226 and arms 228 and 239'is pivotaliy mounted upon casingor frame portions (not shown), said yoke, in conjunction with the aforesaid lugs, serving as a" mediumfor the transmittal of rotational force from the diaphragm gear Eli! to the rebound spring gear 2 I ii and vice versa. Said yoke is preferably gently biased in a clockwise direction against stop 23E by spring 232. A pinion 234 is' adapted to engage gears E'Id and 255, said pinion having a control knob 25: 6 rigidly connected thereto by a shaft 238, said shaft passing through a suitable bearing in the camera casing (not shown). The constructions and mutualoperation of aforesaid gears Zidand 2I8, lugs 2I2 and 223, toothless sectors 2M and 222, yoke 224, and pinion Zed-are such that when one of said toothless sectors has been rotated to a position adjacent pinion 235 the element of which it forms'e; part derives no rotational force and remains stationary while the element comprising the other toothless sector is adapted to rotation, through engagement of its toothed peripheral portions with said pinion 234. Asshown in Fig. 3, toothless sector 22:2of the diaphragm is adjacent pinion 234 and, accordingly, the diaphragm;

' remains stationary, the largest aperture thereof 11, being adjacent the exposure aperture 240. However, peripheral gear 2H3 of the rebound spring carrier is in engagement with said pinion 234, enabling variation of position of the rebound spring and hence variation of shuter speed. In Fig. 3, it is also to be noted that rebound spring l9l is at maximum clockwise position, providing slowest shutter speed, said position being established by contact of lug 2l2 with limit stop 242.

Fig. 4 illustrates clockwise rotation of pinion 234 and the transfer of counterclockwise rotational force from the rebound spring carrier to the diaphragm through the media of the aforesaid lugs and yoke. Toothless sector 214 has been rota-ted adjacent pinion 234. Lug 2E2 has actuated yoke arm 239 in a clockwise direction, causing similar rotation of yoke am 228. Arm 223 has actuated lug 226 in a counterclockwise direction removing toothless sector'ZZZ from adjacency with pinion 234 and causing engagement of gear 218 with said pinion. During transfer of rotational force, gears 216 and 2E8 will both be caused to rotate for a brief period. During said simultaneous rotation the largest aperture is either brought to the exposure position or removed therefrom depending upon the direction of rotation of the aforesaid elements. With any aperture other than the largest at operating position, recess 23!] is engaged with detent 59E, giving maximum possible shutter speed. During simultaneous rotation of diaphragm 94 and carrier I93, recess 2890. is moved into engagement with detent I535. The maximum shutter speed obtainable with the largest aperture in position is thus slightly less than the maximum speed for other apertures.

Indicating means of Figs. 3 and 4 comprises rotatable dial 244 and fixed index 246, said dial carrying a plurality of numbers, arranged as shown, said numbers representing light values. Said light values may preferably correspond to light value numbers carried on the scale of a light meter, thus permitting a setting of the indicating means directly, according to the prevailing value indicated on the light meter, without the necessity of first computing a correct setting. Rotation of dial 244 to bring a given number thereof adjacent index 245 sets up a correlated shutter speed and diaphragm aperture providing a predetermined exposure value, said rotation of the dial being accomplished by a gear train connecting said dial with pinion 234 and comprising gears 248, 250, 252, and 254. It is to be understood that said gears and gears 21!] and 2l8 are of suitable relative diameter and that gears 248, Zlb, and 2&8 are engaged at suitable angles of rotation for insuring dial settings which are accompanied by accurate exposure value settings of the mechanism. Assuming the lowest number to indicate an extremely low light value, a prevailing light value of very low intensity is indicated in the dial setting of Fig. 3, showing numher 1 at the fixed index, the largest diaphragm aperture thus being positioned at the exposure aperture and the rebound spring being at a position for eiiecting slowest shutter speed. Subsequent rotation of dial 244 in a clockwise direction to bring numbers 2 through 6 to the fixed index provides progressive increases in shutter speed. Continued rotation of the dial provides positioning of diaphragm apertures of diminishing diameter at the exposure aperture, one complete rotation of the dial accompanying the entire range of possible rebound spring and aperture settings. The dial setting of Fig. 4 indicates a transitional phase of exposure value settings whereat the rebound spring is positioned for maximum shutter speed and the next to largest diaphragm, aperture is approaching the exposure aperture.

Fig. 5 schematically represents a further modification of apparatus comprising rotatable, disctype diaphragm 253 having apertures 258 of various diameter formed therein, rebound springs 268, 262 and 2 54 for providing various shutter speeds, indicating means comprising numbers 2 to la, inclusive, carried on a surface of the diaphragm, and an aperture 265 in casing portion 2% through which said numbers may be individually observed. Said modification exemplifies a simplified and preferred design for setting shutter speed at a selected predetermined value and for bringing diaphragm apertures to exposure position in full-stop steps as, for example, f :44, i232, f222, fzl6, and i211 at /60 of a second, and for setting an aperture of predetermined diameter at the expo-sure aperture 2 m and altering shutter speed as, for example, i211 at /12 and /7 of a second. The aforesaid numbers represent light values as hereinbefore described, and aperture 2% serves as a fixed index for positioning of said numbers, any number visible therethrough being indicative both of that aperture which is positioned adjacent exposure aperture 210 and or" operational positioning of one of the aforesaid rebound springs. It is to be understood that elements of Fig. 5 are viewed from a position similar to that assumed in Fig. 1 and that a shutter of the general type shown in Fig. 1 is to be associated therewith, said shutter thus rotating in a clockwise direction, meeting one of the rebound springs, and returning to original position. Any combination of settings of the aforesaid mecha-v nism, obtained by bringing a selected number to aperture 266, provides a correct exposure value.

A pinion 2l2 and control knob 214, unitary therewith and positionable exteriorly of a camera casing, provide means for rotating diaphragm 256, said pinion engaging gear portion 276 of the diaphragm for actuating said gear. Rebound springs 268 and 262 are mounted, respectively, upon rotatable arms 218 and 280, said arms rotating about respective pivots 282 and 234 and being biased for clockwise rotation by springs 283 and 288. The aforesaid elements are mounted upon suitable frame or casing portions (not shown). Each of said arms also comprises, respectively, a cam follower 228 and 292, said followers being adapted to ride on the periphery of the diaphragm and said periphery being in the form of a cam. Said cam comprises two sectors res and 29%, sector 29% having a greater radius than sector 294. When the diaphragm is rotated and followers 298 and/or 292 ride upon sector 2556, rebound springs associated therewith are rotated substantially radially away from the arcual path of the shutter t'o nonoperational position, and when said followers ride upon sector 284, they are functionally positioned for intercepting said. shutter during rotation thereof. Again considering initial clockwise rotation of the shutter, as shown in Fig. i, it will be seen from Fig. 5 that rebound spring 256 is the last of said springs for intercepting the shutter and, because said spring 254 provides the slowest shutter speed, it may be fixedly mounted, as shown. Suitable detent means are provided for releasably holding the diaphragm at various rotational positions identified with the positioning of each of the several apertures adjacent lens aperture 210. Said means comprise, for example, fixed axle menace tioning of respective followers must be carefully predeterminedffor moving rebound springs iniand out of 'position. At the setting of mechanism shown in Fig. 5, cam sector 25% has raisedcam. followersisii and 222', causing-"rotation oii rebound springsand- 262 to :idle: position, fixed? -4 being, operative a for" providreboundspring c e l oi /7 of a second; Countering, shutter sp clockwis rotaticn of the diaphragm from said" setting; progressively causes the cam? followers tOIlBi-LVESECtOI" Ethanol. bear upon isector- 29, in turn-,bringing rebound springsiitZ and" 2% into. functional position, thus providing respective shutter speeds of" 12' .4m of second: obtainingqa sl 'ter'speed of /tc of secondwhen aperture" i211 positioned adiaoent'lens'aperturer 235lit- Willibfi obvious thatcamusectcr'fiet. should not-actuate cam follower said'oonditic-n beingrendered possibleabyv a sufficiently limited length'of saidcamsector 2%. A suitable length :ofz' cam sector 29% is insured by forming arm-.289; between follower and. rebound spring mounting portions thereof, of a'sufiicient. length. for the purpose; Springs 253 and 288: respectively, provide means for holding cam-r01 lowers -ilil and 282- in'. contact with cam sector" 29 i-whereby impact of theshutteragainst ro bound. spring r seam 252 causes no: radialdis? placemcntrof said rebound springs;v It: will: be understood that the diaphragm may be rotated in/either cloclnvise or countercioclnvi'se direction for-obtaining any of the aforesaid settings. with utmost rapidityandthat-detent engagingzrecesses operates-to held the diaphragm: sta-: tionary when numerical indicia are positioned adjacent the.fixed:-index-.- it is further to be understood. that-f: and.-time.-values shown in Fig. 5' are illustrative and not'to beroonsidered' as arbitrary values Mechanisms schematically shown in the drawingssinclude'a plurality of elements which-aregenerally suitable in form for performing various above-described functions; However, itwill' be. evident. that certain of. said. elements may readily. be altered in form, or interchangedcto form further modifications, and that numerous alternative. elements. could. be employed, within the scope. of. the: invention, to perform similar functions. The embodiment, iii-Fig.- 5; of three apertures of similar diameter for. mai .4 .iing constant aperture diameter while. varying shutter-speed, couldiorexample, be modified to show: an single. slct-lilie aperture encompassing said three an i uresand the areas-therebetweem In stead of the plurality. of rebound springs shown. in Fig. 5, a single. rebound spring could be mounted uponla suitable portion cfmember 255,. said spring. being rotatable to various: angular positions as shownin Fig. 1. A further modiiicationot Eig ..5wouidcomprisean elongated formof' rebound spring, saidspringtending to springinwardly. into the th of shutterrotation and having portions suitably formed ic-r-direct'actuation andout of said path 'bythe-oam: It wlll also. be. apparent that diaphragm-apertures of For Fig: 5 couldfallbe-of diiierent diameter. Rebound:

springs of various form. may be employed as, for example, onevormore rebound springs having in-, oorporated or associated therewith means for varyingtheir deflection characteristics and thus. Means for altering opervarying shutter speed. ational lengthof a fiat-type spring would fall within thisicategory. If preferred, the rebound spring couldbe incorporated with the shutter per se,-. in whichinstance rigid lug members, po-

sitiona-ble within: the path of shutter rotation, would serve as reversing means. It will likewise be apparentithat means may be provided for varyingtension of extension spring 9?. of Fig. 1.. whereby-rotational speed of impulse arm 98 and, accordingly, oi the shutter may be varied, said.

means,- ior. example, being adapted to adjustmentsof shutter speed during assembly or hav ing, a control associated therewith for obtaining operational adjustments cl shutter speed.

Where-shown, as an element for providing the slowest shutter speed, the rebound spring; may

besupplanted by alternative means for. revers.

ing-direction of shutter rotation, said means comprising either hairspring E35 or a hairspring having different torsional characteristics therefrom. Furthermore, a-hairspring having means assooiated therewith for varying torsional characteristics thereof could be. employed'to provide apluralityof relatively slow shutter speeds. As

shown in Fig. 1, hairspring E36 primarily per-- forms the function of returning the shutter to closedpcsiticn after a time exposure, and, secondarily, that or". biasing the shutter toward said posi on shouldactuating means for an instantaneousexposure fail to accomplish said move-'- ment.-. It-will be apparent that another form.

oi.means for eiiecting return of the shutter to closed position after a bulb exposure may, for

example, com rise a shutter actuatingelementv associated with. the bulb exposure latching fled informas, for example, by eliminating the counterbalance portion thereof, said-modifioation reducing the mass of the shutter and per mitting a lighter construction of spring and other associated elements or enabling gr eater rotational speed of the shutter.

Sincecertain changes may be made in the above apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drav ings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimedis:

1. In a shutter for a photographic device, in combination, means providing an exposure aperture, a shutter element, means for mounting said shutter element for free holding saidshutter ture oovering' position, means for applying a sharp impact to said'shutter element to free the samerof' said holding means and to impart rotary motion thereto, said last-named means including an impact-applying member for engaging said shutter element'to transmit the impact thereto, and. reversing means for reversing the direction of rotation of said shutter element, said reversing means including an elastic rebound member and mechanism for positionin sa'd' rebound retation, means normally element stationary in aperter element at a point arcuately spaced from said normally stationary position of said shutter element, said rebound member being energized by contact with said shutter element to apply a reversing impulse to said shutter element, said rebound member and said impact-applying member being so mounted as to engage said shutter element for only a small portion of the total travel thereof, the remainder of the travel of said shutter element being substantially free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holdin means re-engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position, the total travel of said shutter element predetermining the time during which the aperture is uncovered thereby.

2. The combination of claim 1 which comprises resilient means for engaging and biasing the shutter element lightly in the direction of said holding means during the travel thereof.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the resilient means a torsional hair spring surrounding the axis of rotation of said shutter element.

4. The combination of claim 1 which comprises a latching arm movable to an operative position between said rebound member and said holding means for intercepting and holding said shutter element to prevent the same from returning to its aperture-covering position;

5. In a shutter for a photographic device, in combination, means provid'ng an exposure aperture, a shutter element, means for mounting said shutter element for free rotation, means normally holding said shutter element stationary in aperture-covering position, means for applying a sharp impact to said shutter element to free the same of said holding means and to impart rotary motion thereto, said last-named means including an impact-applying member for engaging said shutter element to transmit the impact thereto, and reversing means for reversin the direction of rotation of said shutter element, said reversing means including an elastic rebound member and mechanism for movably mounting said rebound member, said mechanism being operative to locate sa d rebound member at any one of a plurality of positions arcuately spaced along the path of movement of said shutter element, the arcuate spacing of said rebound member from the normal stationary position of said shutter element controlling the total travel of said shutter element, said rebound member and said impact-applying member being so mounted as to engage sad. shutter element for only a small portion of travel thereof, the remainder of the travel of said element being substantially free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holding means re-engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position.

6. In a shutter for a photographic device, in combination, means providing an exposure aperture, a shutter element, means for mounting said shutter element for free rotation, means normally holding said shutter element stationary in aperture-covering position, means for applying a sharp impact to said shutter element to free the same of said holding means and to impart rotary motion thereto, said last-named means including an impact applying member for engaging said shutter element to transmit the impact thereto, and reversing means for reversing the direction of rotation of said shutter element, said reversing means including a rebound member, a supporting member for said rebound member, said supporting member being rotatable about substantially the same axis as said shutter element, and means for rotat'ng said supporting member about said axis to differently space said rebound member from the normally stationary position of said shutter element, said rebound member and said impact-applying member being so mounted as to engage said shutter element for only a small portion of travel thereof, the remainder of the travel of said element being substant'ally free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holding means re-engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position.

7. In a shutter for a photographic device, in combination, means providing an exposure aperture, a shutter element, means for mounting said shutter element for free rotation, means normal- 1y holding said shutter element stationary in aperture-covering position, means for applying a sharp impact to said shutter element to free the same of said holding means and to impart rotary motion thereto, said last-named means including an impact-applying member for engaging said shutter element to transmit the impact thereto, and reversing means for reversing the direction of rotation of said shutter element, said reversing means including a rebound member, a ring member substantially concentric with respect to the axis of rotation of said shutter element for mounting said rebound member so that the same extends into the path of movement of said shutter element for intercepting the latter as it rotates, and means for rotating said ring member about said axis to differently space said rebound member from the normally stationary position of said shutter element, said rebound member and said impact-applying member being so mounted as to engage said shutter element for only a small portion of travel thereof, the remainder of the travel of said element being substantially free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holding means re-engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position.

8. In a shutter for a photographic device, means providing an exposure aperture, a shutter element including a blade portion adapted to cover said aperture, means for mounting said shutter element for relatively free rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of said aperture, means normally holding said shutter element stationary with said blade portion in aperture-covering position, a member for engaging said shutter element, means for actuating said member to cause it to apply a sharp impact to said shutter element to free said element of said holding means and to rotate said elementv so as to uncover said aperture, and means for re- (30 versing the rotary motion of said element, said.

reversing means including an elastic rebound member for intercepting said element in its travel, said rebound member being energized by contact with said element to impart a reversing l impulse to said element, said impact-applying member and said rebound member being in con tact with said shutter element during only a small portion of the total travel of said element, the remainder of said travel being substantially free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holding means engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position.

9. In a shutter for a photographic device,

75 means providing an exposure aperture, a shutter 17 elemen-ti'including a blade portion adapted to cover said aperture, means for mounting said shutter; element for relatively free rotation about anaxis substantially perpendicular to the plane of: said aperture, means normally holding said shutter element stationary with said blade portionin aperture-covering position, a memb r for engaging said shutter element, means for actuating said member to cause it to apply a sharp impact to saidshutter element to free said element of; saidholding means and to rotate said element so as to uncover said aperture, and reversing means for reversing the direction of rotation of said shutter element, said reversing means including an elastic rebound member and mechanism for movably mounting said rebound member, said mechanism being operative to locate said rebound member at any one of a plurality of positions arcuately spaced along the path of movement of said shutter element, the arcuate spacing of said rebound member from the normal stationary position of said shutter element controlling the total travel of said shutter element, said rebound member being energized by contact with said element to impart a reversing impulse to said element, said impact-applying member and said rebound member being in contact with said shutter element during only a small portion of the total travel of said element, the remainder of said travel being substantially free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holding means engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position.

10. In a shutter for a photographic device,

means providing an exposure aperture, a shutter element including a blade portion adapted to cover said aperture, means for mounting said shutter element for relatively free rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of said aperture, means normally holding said shutter element stationary with said blade portion in aperture-covering position, a member for engaging said shutter element, means for actuating said member to cause it to apply a sharp impact to said shutter element to free said ele ment of said holding means and to rotate said element so as to uncover said aperture, and reversing means for reversing the direction of rotation of said shutter element, said reversing means including a rebound member, a supporting member for said rebound member, said supporting member being rotatable about substantially the same axis as said shutter element and means for rotating said supporting member about said axis to differently space said rebound member from the normally stationary position of said shutter element, said rebound member being energized by contact with said element to impart a reversing impulse to said element, said impactapplying member and said rebound member being in contact with said shutter element during only a small portion of the total travel of said element, the remainder of said travel being substantially free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holding means engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position.

11. In a shutter for a photographic device, means providing an exposure aperture, a shutter element including a blade portion adapted to cover said aperture, means for mounting said shutter element for relatively free rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of said aperture, means normally holding said shutter element stationary with said blade portion in aperture-covering position, a member for engaging said shutter element, means for actuating said member to cause it to apply a sharp impact to said shutter element to free said element of said holding means and to rotate said element so as to uncover said aperture, and reversing means for reversing the direction of rotation of said shutter element, said reversing means including a rebound member, a ring member substantially concentric with respect to the axis of rotation of said shutter element for mounting said rebound member so that the same extends into the path of movement of said shutter element for intercepting the latter as it rotates and means for rotating said ring member about said axis to differently space said rebound member from the normally stationary position of said shutter element, said rebound member being energized by contact with said element to impart a reversing impulse to said element, said impact-applying member and said rebound memher being in contact with said shutter element during only a small portion of the total travel of said element, the remainder of said travel being substantially free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holding means engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position.

12. In a shutter for a photographic device, in combination, means providing an exposure aperture, a shutter element, means for mounting said shutter element for free rotation, means normally holding said shutter element stationary in aperture-covering position, means for applying a sharp impact to said shutter element to free the same of said holding means and to impart rotary motion thereto, said last-named means including an impact-applying member for engaging said shutter element to transmit the impact thereto, and reversing means for reversing the direction of rotation of said shutter element, said reversing means including a rebound member and mechanism for positioning said rebound member in the path of movement of said shutter element at a point arcuately spaced from said normally stationary position of said shutter element, one of said rebound member and said shutter element including an elastic element, said elastic element being energized upon engagement of said shutter element and said rebound member to apply a reversing impulse to said shutter element, said rebound member and said impact-applying member being so mounted as to engage said shutter element for only a small portion of the total travel thereof, the remainder of the travel of said shutter element being substantially free and at a substantially constant velocity, said holding means re-engaging and holding said shutter element upon return thereof to its normally stationary position, the total travel of said shutter element predetermining the time during which the aperture is uncovered thereby.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the mechanism for positioning said rebound member in the path of movement of said shutter element movably mounts said rebound member so that it may be located in any one of a plurality of positions in the path of movement of said shutter element.

MURRY N. FAIRBANK. SIDNEY B. WHITTIER.

(References on following page) 19 REFERENCES CITED The foilowing referencesareof record in the fi le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 Number Name Date 394,221 Steffens L. Dec. 11, 1888 408,596 Eastman Aug. 6, 1889 471,088 Anthony et 81. 'Mar. 22, 1892 798,595 Brueck Sept. 5, 1905 0 Number 20 Name Date Pierman Jan. 12, 1915' Ponton Sept. 2'7, 1921 Maski Jan. 6, 1925 Riddell Feb. 5, 1929 Ridden Sept. 5, 1933 Deckel et a1 June 19, 1934 Riddell July 10, 1934 Brueck Oct. 17, 1939 Simmon Mar. 30, 1943 Aiken Feb. 1, 1944 

